di Andrea Romanazzi

The role and importance of woods in Druidic philosophy and neo-Druidism are fundamental elements that underline the profound connection between this tradition and the natural environment. In ancient druidic practices, woods were considered sacred places, spaces where spirituality could flourish and where Druids approached nature with reverential respect.

In contemporary neo-Druidism, this respect for the woods is tangibly reflected in practices and philosophy. The Order of Ovates, Bards and Druids (OBOD), under the leadership of Philip Carr-Gomm, is an example of a modern organization that promotes respect for nature and environmental awareness.The woods are not just physical places, but carry with them symbolic and spiritual meaning for modern druids. Through ceremonies, meditations and ritual practices, the neo-Druids seek to renew the ancient bond between man and nature, recognizing in the woods a place of sacredness and connection.Philip Carr-Gomm, in opere come “Druidry: A Green Way of Wisdom” e “The Druid Tradition”. Nel primo Carr-Gomm explores Druidry as a path of wisdom that embraces nature. It highlights the importance of living in harmony with the natural environment, embracing an ecological approach to spirituality. Carr-Gomm encourages reflection on the relationship between humans and the earth, highlighting Druidry as a green path that embraces environmental awareness. In”The Druid Tradition”: Offers an overview of the history and practices of Druidism. Carr-Gomm explores the historical and mythical roots of the druidic tradition, highlighting the sacredness of the earth and the connection with natural places. In the context of this work, the concept emerges that woods are spaces of spiritual importance and places where the magic of nature manifests itself.Founded on druidic principles of OBOD, of which I hold the rank of Druid, inspired by these two books, I propose a deeper connection with nature and spirituality. Within the OBOD, the four druidic elements – Nwyfre, Gwyar, Calas and Taned – embody the classical triad enriched by a fourth sacred element. These principles are intertwined in a harmonious ritual, reflecting the richness of nature and druidic wisdom. Close your eyes and let yourself be transported into this meditation, surrounded by the wisdom of the Druids and the beauty of nature. We begin our meditation as we venture into the majesty of the forest, a place where the druidic elements dance together in eternal harmony. In this moment of connection, we look up to the sky, imagining a golden thread stretching from our being to the heights of the sky. This is our connection to Nwyfre, the spirit of the sky. We are filled with an ethereal light, feeling the life force flowing through us like a divine breath. The awareness of our connectionwith the spirit of heaven it envelops us like a warm embrace.We head towards the refreshing sound of a stream in the woods. Here, we sit along the shore and dip our hands in the crystal clear water. We close our eyes and perceive the incessant flow, symbol of Gwyar, the principle of change. We feel the movement of the water enveloping us, embracing the natural flow of life. We open ourselves to growth, change and the fluidity of every moment. We move towards a stable point, perhaps a massive rock or the roots of an ancient tree. Let us sit or lean, feeling the solid presence of the earth beneath us. We imagine imaginary roots extending deep into the soil, anchoring us in the Calas principle. The strength of the earth envelops us, giving us stability and security. We are as solid as the earth we stand on. In the heart of the forest, we find a place that exudes a sense of sacredness. Perhaps it is a clear open, illuminated by the light filtered through the leaves. Here, we pause to reflect on the sacredness of the present moment. We breathe deeply, feeling the balance between the elements around us. Taned, the sacred element, envelops us with a sense of deep connection and harmony. In this forest meditation, we experience the druidic triad and the addition of the fourth element, Taned, which completes the sacred circle. Nwyfre, Gwyar, Calas and Taned come together in a ritual of awareness, transforming our walk in the forest into a spiritual and harmonious experience with nature.